I’ve officially been here a month, and there is still so much to learn as an expat in London. So as I discover more lessons, I will add them to the list. You may notice that there are a lot of lessons on budgeting – at the ripe age of 22 I am finally experiencing what it’s truly like to be broke once you pay rent. Not long until I start my job!
You really have to look both ways … Trust the green man.
You won’t have AC to deal with the summer heat. Buy a fan.
The Tube is always hot. Buy a handheld fan.
When you can’t make your own lunch, Sainsbury and Tesco to-go meals will save your wallet but not your waistline.
At fast-food restaurants, always say Take-Away over Eat-In. It can save you at least a pound and you just get a paper bag instead of a tray.
Top expenses in order: Rent, Food, Alcohol
Paycheques only come once a month. You best be careful.
If you want to live in central or trendy London boroughs, say goodbye to your dream of lots of travel.
You need extra moisturizing shampoo and a tangle teaser brush, the shower water here is crap.
Take your goddam multivitamins every day.
As much as you hate it, Primark will become your go-to shopping spot. You can’t afford to be an ethical or fancy shopper.
Lift your feet while you walk or you will trip often (2 times per hour on average).
Don’t give your real number to strangers on the street.
No matter how much of a nice stereotypical Canadian you are, you will get road rage on the sidewalks. STEP ASIDE TOURISTS.
You better have your Oyster Card ready when you get to the gates at the Tube.
A 7-day travel pass will save you a great deal of money on daily transport.
You will trust CityMapper with your life. Google Maps, you are no longer needed.
The dream of being a high heel wearing fashionista in the city is unattainable. Wear sneakers and bring your heels in a bag.
ALWAYS keep hand sanitizer in your purse.
A Canadian accent can be as exciting to Brits as their accent is to you.
The likelihood of swiping your way through all of London’s bachelors on Tinder is slim. Enjoy feeling like you are on an endless season of the Bachelorette.
Everybody uses dating Apps – they are a super common way to meet guys.
Facebook groups for London newbies are a great way to make friends – particularly London New Girl.
Even if you feel confident with how your interviews are going, have a backup plan. Sign up with multiple recruiters.
Everyone who moves here embarrasses themselves one way or another.
The BIGGEST Lesson: I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
The list will get bigger because Lord knows I haven’t mastered this city yet!
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Tesco Meal Deals have single-handedly kept me alive for about 10 years now. If you ever feel like getting something a bit fancier (and if you choose wisely, slightly healthier too!), try going to Boots! Their wraps are delicious. About 50p more expensive than your standard Tesco, but so worth it.
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Lol something a bit fancier = boots, we are definitely living the glam life 😂 I will try their wraps!
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Haha I totally get it! It’s way cheaper to cook at home to be honest
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Too funny, I love reading about your story and how you react to the cultural differences. As a French person that was an expact in the us, I can so relate. Thank you!
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This is so accurate (coming from a British gal who’s lived in London for over 6 years!)
Hope you’re enjoying London! You become a real Londoner when you love to hate this place!
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I love it here! Every time I complain I think to myself, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
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PRIMARK. That was my go-to shopping choice as well when I was there. I also highly suggest going to O’Neil’s Irish Pub in Soho. It’s a lot of fun and they sometimes have a live band play.
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That sounds great! Thanks for the tip :)
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HAHAHA! I enjoyed this post because I experienced so many of it while I was in London / England.
Have you been asked a billion times where you’re from, yet?
Also, it is weird that I think Londoners are actually friendly?? I honestly haven’t met one that’s too grumpy or standoffish!
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Haha yes I have, or they just guess that I’m from the States and I correct them. I agree though, Londoners are friendly. The rumours are false!
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Haha! Enjoyed your list! I went to London last year and could totally relate to a few of those things! :)
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Lol I’m glad you relate!
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Right now it’s a hot Fall in Eur. Keep getting that comment from people in the Netherlands. So next year the Tube may be cooler! Yeah,high heels in your bag is the best way to be kind to your feet:) Hang on, you’ll be a pro in some months!
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Hopefully! It’s currently like a free sauna a few times a day haha
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Heya, if you need any tips of interesting places to go in London, I’ve got recommendations, as I’ve lived there most of my life :) Greenwich is definitely a must-see if you haven’t been already
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Thank you! I’ll have to check out Greenwich. There’s still so much I need to see :)
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The list is fun. Really Google is doing so poorly there?
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Thank you! And no Google is fine but when you are planning your Tube journey, CityMapper is SO specific. For example, it tells you walking time between platforms, what section of the train to go in the be closer to the exits, etc.
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Excelent and funny tips on UK. When you said about stereotypical Canadians, I remembered that you guys are really organized even on the streets.
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Thanks!
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Haha these are so true! Especially the Tube – when choosing jobs I literally pick them in relation to the Circle/Metropolitan/Hammersmith lines, just because they have aircon…
x
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Wish I knew that! Haha
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We’ll be arriving London tomorrow for vacation so some of these tips will sure come in handy! :)
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I’ve been here almost two weeks and I have to agree about the water. It doesn’t bother me to drink (a lot of people really hate it though i know) but to wash with it’s completely unacceptable. I’ve recently invested in a wet brush, and it’s really great. You should try one if you’re getting a lot of snarles in your hair.
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Marks and Spencers have great to-go meals also. It’s a bit more expensive but worth it from time to time.
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Glad you’re enjoying your time in London so far, hopefully you get the opportunity to see more of the UK whilst you’re here too :)
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Haha love this, I live just an hour train journey and it’s nice to come in and out of London! Tesco meal deals are always the one. I like to find a nice spot in London with my lunch and just chill out, London can be such a special place! Hope your getting on well.
Katie xoxo
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This is so great! I love the perspective. I can’t wait to visit England one day, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
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Cool!
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Hey now, you be nice about our water! It’s only so weird because London is built on clay, so you be thankful next time you admire all those pretty red brick buildings :) I’m glad you’re having fun, if you want cheap *and* ethical clothes you should check out the charity shops – they smell funny but they usually have really fun, surprising finds.
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Haha I crossed the line! There’s a charity shop near my house, I’ll make sure to check it out :) thanks!
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Thank you so much for sharing! =) I have always wanted to visit London! Not move to, but visit. I look forward to reading more about England!
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So glad you looked in on our site so we could discover yours.
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I’m in love with you blog. It’s not too common to find another Canadian blog. I was wondering, did you find your job before or after you moved to London? I’m a dual citizen and was considering making the move as well, but not being about to get a job is my biggest fear
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Thank you so much! :) I applied to a bunch of jobs before I left but was still in the interview process when I moved here. Also applied to more jobs while I was here just in case. My first interview with the job I have was the same week I moved but I didn’t start my job until a month and a bit after.
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